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Go to : [INDEX]
[ INTRODUCING GROUNDBASE] [PROJECTS UNDERWAY : 1998-1999]
[CONTACTING GROUNDBASE]
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Business Development :
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Groundbase is part of the LEADER II European Community Initiative to aid business growth, community development and the rural economy across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway. It is a partnership between the European Union, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and Dumfries and Galloway Enterprise, and runs until the year 2000. Groundbase programmes are designed to complement the services offered by other local agencies such as Dumfries and Galloway Enterprise and the Business Shops to local businesses. |
This programme has been running for three years and has proved to be a most effective method for supporting business growth, by providing grants to assist with the cost of purchasing machinery and equipoment, and in renovating business premises. To date, over 340 MEGA applications from local businesses have been approved. Grants are awarded on a discretionary basis for up to 30% of eligible project costs.
Dumfries and Galloway's new and small businesses have already benefited from over £ 800,000 Sterling of grant assistance through MEGA. This is detailed further in Business Development 1995-1997. The project is being extended to take account of new benefits from Information Technology (see MEGA-BITE).
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Marrbury Smokehouse : Funding under MEGA and Self Starters' programme to develop a fish smoking business. |
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Adams Engineering : Funding under MEGA to expand light engineering business. |
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Paterson Landscapes : Refurbishment of premises and computer design equipment. |
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A.J. & T. Contractors : Funding to buy moving and lifting equipment for hard landscaping business. |
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Associates : MEGA funding to purchase digital camera equipment. |
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Nith Valley Embroidery : MEGA funding for computerised embroidery machine and support equipment. |
Developed from MEGA in response to feedback from clients. This programme concentrates purely on the introduction or enhancement of information technology for small businesses.
Since its introduction in May 1998, over 25 applications have been approved. An essential ingredient in MEGA-BITE is the training of staff who will be using the equipment.
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D.G. Lockharts : Funding under MEGA-BITE to provide this upholsterers and funeral director with a computerised administration system. |
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Cauldron Press : MEGABITE funding for new computer imaging and photographic equipment. |
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Damhead Boarding Kennels : MEGABITE funding for computer-based accounting and marketing system. |
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Kearse & Boys : MEGABITE funding for computer-based accounting and marketing system. |
The programme provides financial assistance towards the cost of using a consultant to carry out an appraisal of the farm business, produce a business plan and monitor its implementation.
103 applications have so far been approved. Grants are awarded on a discretionary basis for up to 50% of eligible costs (to a maximum of £750).
The JMP was introduced in May 1998. Its aim is to encourage individuals, businesses or groups, to work together to market a local product or service.
So far 24 projects have been supported, ranging from the design and production of marketing materials to assisting local craft and arts associations to market their work outwith the area. Grants are awarded on a discretionary basis for up to 50% of eligible projects, to a limit of £ 5,000 Pounds Sterling.
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Civil Engineering Heritage : Funding under the Joint Marketing Programme to publish a brochure on the work of the engineers Telford, Rennie and Newall. |
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Quality Farm Holidays : Funding under Joint Marketing Programme for an extensive website to publicise members' bed & breakfast and self-catering businesses. |